Work has started on the first labyrinth to be built on an English university campus. The University of Kent has commissioned researcher and designer Jeff Saward to build it.

Based on medieval designs, it will overlook the Cathedral and will provide a peaceful and accessible walk for the university’s staff and students, as well as for the wider community. It should be finished in mid-August.

Speaking at a small ceremony marking the start of the work, Dr Louise Naylor, head of the unit for the enhancement of learning and teaching, said: “It is, to our knowledge, the first labyrinth to be built at an English university and is an innovative work of art which will provide opportunity for personal reflection.”

The impetus for the labyrinth came from Dr Jan Sellers, creative learning fellow at the university.

The labyrinth, which could also be used as a performance space for the university, will be flat, created from reinforced grass and York stone.